The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year. While it may take some time for rookie cards and star players to appreciate significantly in value, there are always a few cards that stand out as having strong potential to be worth good money. Let’s take a look at some of the top 2023 Topps baseball cards to watch that could hold strong long-term value.
One of the most obvious choices each year is the base rookie card of potential superstars just entering the major leagues. In 2023, one of the highest profile rookies is Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez had an incredible rookie campaign in 2022 that saw him finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His five-tool talent and youth make him a perennial All-Star and potential MVP candidate for years to come. As a result, his base Topps rookie card #156 can be a strong hold. Another rookie to watch is Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. While he struggled at times in 2022, Witt has all the skills to be an elite shortstop and his Topps rookie #99 will be highly sought after.
Parallel and short-printed rookie cards tend to gain value faster than base cards due to their lower print runs. Look for parallels of the top rookies like Rodriguez and Witt in colors like gold, silver, and rainbow foil to potentially appreciate nicely in a shorter time frame. The same holds true for any short-printed rookie variations. Another rookie parallel to watch is Adley Rutschman (#234) of the Baltimore Orioles, who had a strong debut season and could be a franchise cornerstone. His parallels and short prints from Topps’ flagship set hold great long-term potential.
Superfractor parallel cards, which are printed in extremely low numbers, are usually a very safe bet to gain value over time. In 2023, keep an eye out for superfractors of young stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. (#43), Juan Soto (#58), and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (#226). These types of cards are almost guaranteed to appreciate significantly for top players who pan out as expected. The same logic applies to 1/1 parallel rookie cards, which are true one-of-ones. If a rookie with a 1/1 parallel like Rodriguez or Witt lives up to expectations, their unique card could be worth a small fortune down the road.
Veteran superstar cards also tend to hold strong value, especially for active Hall of Fame caliber players. Look for cards of legends still playing like Mike Trout (#27), Aaron Judge (#53), and Mookie Betts (#82) to gain value as they continue putting up All-Star caliber seasons. Their rookies may be out of most collectors’ price ranges now, but their latest base Topps cards can make for affordable long-term holds. Parallel and autograph cards of these established greats have a very high floor that is likely to steadily rise over the years as well.
Unique serially numbered parallel cards tend to gain value rapidly since they are more scarce than base cards. Things like Topps Chrome refractors (#151-300), Topps Fire color blast parallels (#301-500), and Topps Finest laser parallel cards (#501-750) featuring big names are always in demand. Numbered parallels below /250 for major stars have the potential to 5x or 10x in value within a few years as they become more difficult to acquire in higher grades.
Autograph cards are another category that often appreciates nicely with time. Topps Chrome and Finest autographs have traditionally been strong long-term holds. Base autographs of top prospects like Rodriguez and Witt have solid upside. Serialized autographs below /50 like a Topps Fire auto of Trout or Judge hold great potential. Unique 1/1 autographs of franchise players could gain value exponentially if that player lives up to expectations. Dual autographs of teammates or position players cards also intrigue collectors.
Special insert cards tend to gain collector interest over the years as they become harder to find in top condition. Popular inserts like Topps Chrome Prospects, Topps Finest Fabrics, and Topps Fire Black parallels featuring top names hold nice long-term value. Serialized parallels below /25 are especially desirable. Unique 1/1 printing plates and sketch cards of major stars have the highest long-term upside since they are completely one-of-a-kind items.
When it comes to 2023 Topps baseball cards that have strong chances to gain value, focus on base and parallel rookie cards of top prospects, superfractor parallels of young stars, cards of active Hall of Famers still performing at an elite level, unique autographs and serially numbered inserts, and short-printed parallels and inserts. With patience, cards that check these boxes have solid odds to appreciate significantly with the passage of time as the players’ careers progress and the print runs dwindle.
